MISSION STATEMENT

To improve the quality of life for patients with special needs and craniofacial anomalies through fundraising for education and support.

WHO WE ARE

Miles For Smiles was founded in 1990 as a volunteer fundraising organization. Its founding was motivated by the recognition that children with special needs and craniofacial anomalies were not having all of their needs met. Many of the special needs of these patients could not be satisfied due to medical and dental insurance limitations. This target population of children is served in the Department of Pediatric and Community Dentistry and the Craniofacial Center of WNY at the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo.

WHAT WE DO

We are the only affiliation with Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo dedicated to providing adaptive equipment and special services for children that have dental, facial, and head deformities or special needs through its fundraising efforts. All proceeds from our events benefit children in Western New York.

HOW WE ACCOMPLISH OUR GOALS

Miles For Smiles hosts four special events per year, which raises financial funds for medical photography not covered by insurance, comfort pillows, body supports, Haberman feeders, curing lights (dental instrument), and a computer system for the Craniofacial Center of Western New York.

Past special events have included an open water swim, indoor swim meet, golf tournament, snowmobile grass drag race, silent/live auction, 3K walk, bake sales, and raffles.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

If you are interested in supporting Miles For Smiles financially, or to volunteer your time, please contact Miles for Smiles president Rochelle Marshall, RD, at rmarshall1020@yahoo.com, or call (716) 878-7520.

EVENTS

Miles for Smiles Wine Tasting Event a Success!

On July 21, 2008, the Miles for Smiles Organization held its annual Wine Tasting Event at the Jacobs Executive Development Center to raise monies in support of children cared for by the Craniofacial Center of Western New York and the COHDY Program (Comprehensive Oral Health for Disabled Youth) in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at WCHOB. These funds help cover the costs of medical/dental care and supplies not covered by insurance, such as Medela Special Needs Feeders used by babies with cleft palate.

This event was organized by both professionals and parents of patients cared for by these two departments and raised double the funds of last year’s event! Congratulations to Rachel Fallon from V-5 who won the huge Sabres Basket! Other Kaleida winners included Cheri Batt, Michelle Collins, Mary Ellen Creighton, Elin Raimondi, Dr. Luther Robinson, Dr. Ilene Rothman, Amanda Speicher, and Dr. Dian Wells. A very special thanks to all who attended this entertaining event and supported our most worthy cause!

SAVE THE DATE ... our Miles for Smiles Wine Tasting Event next year will be held on Monday, July 20, 2009, at Rich’s Atrium. Don’t miss it!